With the increase in requests for built-in seating, aka banquettes, in new kitchens, we decided to incorporate that concept into the 2017 Home-a-rama kitchen.  This banquette has 2 curved seats and a custom oak table situated between them - seating for 8.  Plus, a bar height counter on the back side of the curved bench provides seating for 4 more.  We have painted the barstools to match the cabinetry and the seats of the stools the same stain as the table.

Indy Cabinet Source - 2017 Home-a-rama Westfield, Indiana

The kitchen cabinetry is painted white with inset doors.  The refrigerator is solid cherry cabinet with "icebox" doors and hardware, and the decorative side panels on the front of banquette have icebox doors and hardware as well.  Quartzite countertops (Derik at Cutting Edge Concepts, Indianapolis) mimicked the look of Carrera marble.  Custom pillows were made locally

Cabinetry is painted hard maple with the exception of the solid cherry slab inset doors and solid cherry ice box doors.  Custom made by Indy Cabinet Source, Carmel, Indiana.

Custom Cabinets by Indy Cabinet Source, Carmel, Indiana

Kitchen includes Viking Tuscany range, hood and dishwasher, Viking refrigerator and microwave drawer.  Side Pantry includes Viking steam oven, Viking dishwaser, Viking refrigerator drawers, Viking French oven and large sink.

Indy Cabinet Source, Carmel Indiana

This kitchen also featured authentic icebox hardware, crystal knobs, top knobs hardware.  Indy Cabinet Source, Carmel Indiana.  indycabinetsource.com

In our market, formal dining rooms are being eliminated or replaced with "flex rooms". Most home buyers want the square footage they are purchasing to be allocated for everyday living - not to simply display furniture that is rarely used.  Where then, does one entertain?  I predict the appearance of large butler pantries or "side kitchens" where most of the prep work for food preparation will take place, leaving the kitchen to remain clean and ideal for casual entertaining.  I base my prediction on feedback from families that I have designed homes and kitchens for, and overall trends I am noticing. 

Our Home-a-rama project has such a floorplan:  A large kitchen with built-in seating with an informal dining area on the side, and a large side kitchen with appliances and work space.  The kitchen will have a Viking Tuscany range, refrigerator, wine refrigerator and storage, sink and microwave.  The side kitchen, however, is the real workhorse.  It has a steam oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, and sink.  It also has a baking prep area with a lowered countertop for rolling dough and measuring dry ingredients, center work table, built-in cutlery storage, appliance lifts, as well as pantry and food storage. 

The side kitchen is an ideal place for caterers or help to prepare and stage food, leaving the kitchen open and clean for entertaining.  The kitchen is somewhat more formal, however, it is used for everyday living and is an efficient use of space! 
Marcy Lewis, home and kitchen designer